‘I’m shooting for the moon’ - Dylan Clift

Dylan Clift...looks for a hat-trick of wins on October 5

ACOCKS Green’s fighting hero Dylan Clift is a young man who dreams big, a fledgling fighter who believes he’s destined to compete at world level.

As the welterweight ticketseller told me: “Shoot for the moon. Miss, and you still hit the stars.”

The world, however, will have to wait as Clift serves his ring apprenticeship on the small hall circuit.

Bout number three takes place on manager Anthony Manning’s October 5 show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham. In the opposite corner for the four rounder will be busy and dependable journeyman Jake Osgood.

Clift, trained by dad Chris and Gary Turner, will at least get a taste of the big arena fight nights’ razzamatazz. Manning’s bills are certainly an event, with rappers, dancers and musicians.

“My journey is going all the way to the top,” the 22-year-old told me. “I didn’t start boxing to not get anywhere. If I go into something, I go into it to be the best.

“My dream is to win a world title – if you aim as high as you can get, there is no limit. Those who have followed me from the start will see the progress and the achievements will make them happy.”

Clift turned over after a solid amateur background of over 40 bouts for Acocks Green ABC. He knocked on the door at national level but failed to gain a major title.

He’s cut his teeth as a pro against understandably undemanding opposition, won both bouts on points and never lost a round in the process.

“The pros is a lot slower game,” Dylan, a personal trainer by day, said. “It’s a marathon rather than a sprint and I think I’ve developed into it very well, I’m learning how to manage rounds. I try to make fights entertaining and get the job done.

“The power is definitely there and with 8oz gloves I’ll be causing some damage. In December I’ll look for my first six rounder, that’s the plan.

“On fight night there are nerves, but excited nerves. I know I have to be alert because boxing is so unpredictable, and it only takes one shot.

“I’m hoping a Midlands title fight is not too far away, sometime next year. I’ll be down to super-lightweight for titles.”

That, Clift, believes is just the start of a glorious career.

He’s shooting for the moon and plans to make opponents see stars.